Malaysian trio who hijacked Singaporean’s car jailed, caned

SINGAPORE: The three men who hijacked a Singaporean’s car in Johor Bahru on July 1 have been dealt with in court for extortion and robbery.

Two of the robbers were sentenced to eight years’ jail and three strokes of the cane.

The third was given seven years’ jail and three strokes of the cane as he was found to be less culpable.

Three days after the hijack, the three men were nabbed by Malaysian authorities following a seven—hour operation.

Police recovered two Singapore—registered cars and seized two automatic pistols, a pump gun and a Royal Malaysian Police badge during the operation.

Former Singapore television journalist Rita Zahara had stopped her car to buy some fruits along Jalan Susur Larkin when her family was abducted at around 12.45am on July 1.

The robbers later released Ms Rita’s family at a residential area in Ulu Tiram, but made off with the car and valuables worth some S$80,000 (RM 200,000).

Speaking to Channel NewsAsia, Ms Rita said the sentencing has provided closure for her and her family.

— CNA/wm